James Maxwell

James Rankin Maxwell, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the age of 89. He was born July 10, 1927 in Lima, Ohio to the late Samuel and Isabella Maxwell (nee Kilpatrick). He attended the Olivet Academy, and later, Miami University where he earned a Masters degree in education. James was an avid reader and had accumulated an extensive book collection throughout his life. He was also very "handy," having the ability to fix or repair anything. Prior to the loss of his wife, he enjoyed spending time with her on their 72 acres in Brookville, IN, which they called "The Farm." James was a U.S. Navy veteran having served on a WWII repair ship in the Philippines at the end of the war. He retired from the Hamilton City Schools special education department. James is predeceased by his wife, Ada Grace Maxwell, whom he married March 12, 1949. He is survived by his children; Steven Douglas Maxwell, Rebecca Sue (Gary) Thomas and Vonda Rose (Greg) Newsome, his sisters Mary and Gladys, his brothers Nick and Irwin, as well as 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and his beloved pets Kokie Poo and Maksi Bleu. James was preceded in death by his son James Byron Maxwell and his brothers Samuel Maxwell and Joseph "Apple Joe" Maxwell. Visitation will be 5pm to 7pm Friday June 30, 2017, at the Ivey Funeral Home at Rose Hill Burial Park, 2565 Princeton Rd. Fairfield Twp. Ohio with a special time to share and celebrate James' life during the gathering. Memorial donations may be made to SPCA of Cincinnati (spcacincinnati.org), St. Jude Children's research, (stjude.org) and National Humane Education Society at (nhes.org). Please visit www.ivey-rosehill.com